Junipero Serra

Junipero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar and missionary who played a key role in establishing the California missions in the 18th century. He traveled extensively, founding several missions along the coast to spread Christianity and support Spanish colonization. Serra aimed to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and integrate them into colonial society. His work significantly shaped California's history, culture, and religious landscape. While celebrated for his dedication to faith and community-building, he is also a controversial figure due to the impacts of colonization on Native populations.